A 'mortsafe' was an 18th Century invention designed to protect graves from disturbance. British authorities, turning a blind eye to grave-robbing, allowed surgeons and students to advance medical knowledge through illicit means. They deliberately minimized publicity to keep the public unaware of these activities. When grave-robbing was exposed, it often led to riots, … [Read more...] about Mortsafes: The 18th Century Grave Protection Against Body Snatchers
Bison Beach Bonanza: Catalina Island’s Unexpected Wild Residents
Who would have thought that majestic bison would be sunning themselves on a California beach? Yet, that’s precisely what’s happening on Catalina Island. This idyllic spot, often associated with relaxation and marine life, has become an unlikely sanctuary for a herd of American bison. It all began in 1924 when a film crew brought 14 bison to the island for the movie "The … [Read more...] about Bison Beach Bonanza: Catalina Island’s Unexpected Wild Residents
Ancient Pyramid Collapses After Storm In Mexico, Just Days After Archway Collapses In US
Which one of you annoyed the gods? A deluge of heavy rain near Lake Pátzcuaro has triggered the collapse of an ancient pyramid in Mexico, just days after the iconic “Double Arch” in Utah’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area came crashing down into Lake Powell. Both incidents, attributed by some to an increasingly wild global climate, could also signal impending … [Read more...] about Ancient Pyramid Collapses After Storm In Mexico, Just Days After Archway Collapses In US
Japan Kills First Protected Fin Whale After Controversial New Quota
Japan has begun its controversial whaling operations by killing its first protected fin whale in over a decade. The male fin whale, measuring 19.6 meters (64 feet) and weighing 55 tonnes, was recently caught off the coast of Iwate Prefecture by the whaling company Kyodo Senpaku, according to OceanCare. This catch follows a contentious decision made in May 2024, when fin … [Read more...] about Japan Kills First Protected Fin Whale After Controversial New Quota
Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, and Cabbage: Varieties of a Single Magical Plant Species
In recent years, kale has surged in popularity, becoming a darling of health food enthusiasts and even making headlines in national news segments. Predictions are even suggesting that kale salads might soon appear on the menus at TGI Friday's and McDonald's. Cabbage, however, tells a different story. Its per capita consumption peaked in the 1920s when Americans ate an … [Read more...] about Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, and Cabbage: Varieties of a Single Magical Plant Species